VW emissions software update - disaster

So I did get to speak to VW Customer Services in the end, but they told me they couldn't cover a replacement car for me in this instance, as "it's not something they are offering any more".

However they did suggest they could forward me on to VW Roadside Assistance (which I'd forgotten we qualify for as I always service the car at a VW dealer) and that as the car is in limp mode, the Breakdown engineer would be obliged to tow my car to the nearest dealer to be diagnosed, and that then as part of the breakdown cover I am eligible for a replacement car.

And that's what happened! Car got towed to my local VW dealer, which was closed already, so they were obliged to arrange a rental car for me, which I got given from the nearby Enterprise Rental.

So I'm sorted for a car for the long weekend, as my dealer won't be looking at our car until the middle of next week.
But it's worth everyone knowing that if they're stuck somewhere because of car problems, if you qualify for VW Roadside Assistance, they're obliged to tow a car that's in limp mode and provide you a replacement car.

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

The only thing you should consider yourself at this point is that this may have nothing to so with the update so don't go in all update guns blazing until you know what's broken.

Yeah, I don't plan on blaming anyone for anything - I was just peeved that this only happened at lunchtime on a Friday before the long weekend with the prospect of the car not even being looked at for a week. I didn't want to be left without a car, so I'm happy to have got one.

I'll wait to see what the diagnosis is next week. If it's the EGR again, then it's under warranty, but it would be worrying if it turns out the update causes long-term recurring failures of the EGR....

CJhaughey wrote: »

If the map that has been flashed utilises the EGR valve more than previously it will no doubt wear it out faster.
http://www.quantumclaims.com/blog/2017/april/emissions-fix-ruined-our-cars-say-vw-drivers-in-ireland/

Of course using something more will wear it more, it's the same if you wear your shoes more. Let's not act like it's likely you'll be feeding these cars a new EGR every six months.

The EGRs were crap in those cars way before the update ever existed so it stands to reason that original components may fail a but easier after the update but there's not much to suggest that a replacement part couldn't last at least as long as the first.

I don't say that in the defense of the manufacturer but there's no need to cause unfounded concerns with owners either.

So my VW dealer says the limp mode was caused by a fault with the accelerator, which will need to be replaced together with associated wiring at a cost of €365 with labour.

Does it seem odd that limp mode would kick in with a faulty accelerator? I hadn't noticed any change in behaviour in the accelerator.
The glow plug light was flashing on the dash (but no engine fault light) and the screen said something like "Service Now".

Gwynston wrote: »

So my VW dealer says the limp mode was caused by a fault with the accelerator, which will need to be replaced together with associated wiring at a cost of €365 with labour.

Does it seem odd that limp mode would kick in with a faulty accelerator? I hadn't noticed any change in behaviour in the accelerator.
The glow plug light was flashing on the dash (but no engine fault light) and the screen said something like "Service Now".

Limp mode is a computer controlled condition , so could be caused by anything that could be deemed to be safety related. Sure, Get a second opinion on the code (if you trust your indy).

But challenge dealer a bit too if not already done. I always bring a file with me, and ask for print out of the codes, and make notes of the names of the agent. Maybe it doesn't make a difference, but in my head I get better outcomes because they think I'm a bit of a nut who'll make their life hell.

But I really don't see VW making up stuff to avoid sorting genuine concerns and risking that backlash.

I've found them nothing but helpful on this. Even giving me a courtesy car when the fault I reported on an 8 year old Passat had nothing to do with emissions. I couldn't fault the response, even if it's a pain in the hoop going to the dealer.

I'm not in a position to get another opinion, as the car got towed to the dealer by VW Roadside Assistance, since it's supposedly not meant to be driven if gone into limp mode. So I don't have access to it. But I will be challenging them for diagnostic proof and evidence of parts fitted.

Meanwhile, they've just called to say the parts aren't going to be until Monday now :rolleyes:
VW are to ring me about the rental car I have, which was only supposed to be for a week, I think...

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

To be fair, you can see how the update could/ can effect EGR's, injectors and other mechanical components and so forth but it seems a bit of a stretch to think that the update has caused the accelerator pedal itself to fail?

Next step in the tin-foil paranoia will be to blame the following fender-bender on the update...

Toyotafanboi wrote:

Guys I've read this a few times, could someone tell me what the actual conspiracy being proposed here is? That the dealer is lying about the accelerator pedal fault and using the proceeds to fix something emissions related or is the belief that even local Irish dealers have lies ingrained and are out for nothing bar exploitation and are gassing monkeys from the exhaust fumes of pick uo trucks in their garages or what are we even saying?

Toyotafanboi wrote:

I appreciate people making valid points that VW at a corporate level made a huge fumble and people should think twice before trusting them but the last few comments are nothing even along those lines.

Toyotafanboi wrote:

To be fair, you can see how the update could/ can effect EGR's, injectors and other mechanical components and so forth but it seems a bit of a stretch to think that the update has caused the accelerator pedal itself to fail?

Toyotafanboi wrote:

This chaps car is off the road, it needs an accelerator pedal, it's €350. Let's not try cloud the water too much for him.

Well despite Volkswagen paying to replace egr failures after the update, many local Irish dealers either said nothing to or in some cases flat out lied to customers in order to charge them for the job.

Personally I gave my experience on the issue here already so no need to go over it again, but it was shockingly poor.

Basically I'm saying to the poster don't take them at face value as Volkswagen have proven root and branch to be at the very best economical with the truth. Get them to show you the error log yourself and the then confirm that code is an accelerator error. Also get a detailed receipt for all work done.

There is literally no down side to doing this anyway, if it is the accelerator well and good at least you'll have piece of mind.

benny79 wrote: »

I'm sure if he bought it to a indy dealer it would cost a lot less then €350 for an accelerator pedal!

Official VW dealer charges more than indy, imagine!

Zubeneschamali wrote: »

Official VW dealer charges more than indy, imagine!

Yeah imagine!

There's more and there's ridiculously more..

Toyotafanboi wrote: »

I would ask them would they consider extending the replacement vehicle as the delay is down to a supply issue on their end and beyond your control.

Yep - they've agreed to extend the rental cover in to next week

So I got the car back and confirmed all the part numbers for a new accelerator pedal plus associated wiring and ancillaries. €419 with labour

Anyway, I guess it was just bad luck and coincidence that I encountered a different problem that triggered limp mode 12 months on.

I have to say, I've not been impressed with VW reliability though. I've owned a number of Fords over the years which encountered various frustrating failures, and although the Golf seems better in fit and finish, reliability has been pretty average, without even counting the emissions recall and subsequent EGR failure.

benny79 wrote: »

I agree my vw passat was the newest and dearest car I ever owned & from such a well regarded manufacture. I find the reliability shocking to be honest. I'd say I average an extra €200 or €300 a year on stuff failing + the regular wear and tear, service etc

I think it was 3 years old when I purchased it and only had it 4 months was perfect left it in VW for a service 2 days after getting it back all the lights came on brought it back and the told me the actuator on the turbo was gone! €500 after me just spending €500 on a service and suspension brackets which were €30 each. I got in done with an indy for €250.

But it just seems every year there is something else wrong! might be minor but still costs a couple of hundred and I didnt even have the update done or will I!

I'll never purchase a VW again. Fact.

I have a very similar story with a pissat, I too will never again buy a vw. Fact